Music Review: Heropanti

It was bit of a surprise not finding the much-hyped Whistle baja song in the OST of Heropanti. A quick google search revealed that as it has the whistle riff from Hero, for which Saregama hold the rights, it couldn’t be part of the album. It was released as a single under the aegis of Manj Musik. It means ex RDB singer Manjit Singh Ral has composed the music. This funky version isn’t a patch on the classic Laxmikant-Pyarelal tune but has a peppy energy nevertheless which appeals.

Manjit has also composed the Pappi song (which is there in the album). It’s sung by Manjit and rapper Raftaar, who has also composed the lyrics. Such songs emerged regularly from the British underground bhangra scene. The risqué lyrics and fast paced composition will have a certain appeal among the youth.

Pakistani singers Mustafa Zahid and Bilal Saad have been credited with writing and composing Tere Binaa. Sung by Mustafa, it’s in keeping with the sufi-rock kind of music that he’s been known for. Tune in for the raw intensity of his voice.

Now let’s proceed to the songs composed by the official composers, Sajid-Wajid. Rabba sung by Mohit Chauhan has a been-there quality to it. The composers go down the familiar angst lane and rely on the singer to bring out the pathos, which Mohit dutifully does. The singer turns on his charm in Tabah as well. The over consumption of percussion loops in tandem with guitar riffs makes you feel the composers are just playing with various stock sounds in the hope of hitting the jackpot. Mohit’s voice carries the day again. The remixed version by DJ Angel is faster paced and aimed for the disco crowd.

Raat bhar reminds you of their composition in Mukhtasar from Teri Meri Kahaani. Arijit Singh’s and Shreya Ghoshal’s voices make it the pick of the album. Melody is the core strength of Sajid-Wajid and the song reminds you of how good they are when they are playing to their strength.

Overall, Heropanti’s OST is pleasing to the ear but remains a disjointed album. It suffers from a lack of singularity and it would have been better if Sajid-Wajid were the solo composers.